What is the difference between the methods of meditation in Buddhism?

Dear Dr Trinh,
I'm a bit lost between all the meditation methods offered by Buddhism. It seems to me that the Mahayana offers methods and a path on the path accessible to lay people like me who are overwhelmed by their work and their family life. Could you recommend a meditation technique that I could easily reproduce on a daily basis? With my thanks and gratitude.

Doctor Dinh Hy Trinh: Dear Pierre,

Contrary to what is often believed, the methods of meditation are not very different in Mahayana, Vajrayana and Theravada, and apply in the same way for religious and laity. They come directly from the teaching of Gautama Buddha and are based on “right attention” (Pali: samma-sati, chin: zhèngniàn). The simplest method I would recommend is to devote half an hour, ideally every day, if not two or three times a week, to just “mind the breath” (anapana-sati), counting each breath- expiry from 1 to 10, and so on. The posture does not matter, a simple seated position, in peace, is enough (cell phone off, of course!). The hardest part is to persevere at first, but you will feel the benefits within a few weeks. Good luck !

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